Saints, Lady Patriots crowned NCRAA cage champs

GIL Marte struck with a crucial three-pointer in the stretch to lead St. Clare to a 70-66 triumph over Philippine Merchant Marine School and won for the Saints the men’s basketball crown of the 21st National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) Wednesday at the Makati Coliseum.

Marte, who was not supposed to take the shot in that play, found his range in the last 12.5 seconds, his trey shattering a 66-all deadlock and helping the Saints sweep their best-of-three showdown with the Mariners.

Eric Acuna split his free throw with 4.7 seconds left to finalize the count for the Saints.

The title conquest is the first ever for the Saints right in their inaugural season in this cagefest supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls.

Jayson Ibay, hailed as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) finished with 24 points to lead the Saints, who took Game 1 behind a 70-53 crushing of the Mariners.

Ibay was supposed to go for a layup after the Mariners forced a 64-all tie behind Dan Reverente. But his teammate John Acebron found the shaded lane too crowded, opting to pass the ball to Marte instead.